Shirts, Tops, Tunics and More!

So you are ready to make a top for Rae's Spring Top Sewalong, but you are not sure of what pattern to use?  I have compiled a few patterns that I have either tried myself or have received a number of good reviews, so that you can sew and enjoy!  There is nothing I dislike more than cutting into a cute pattern only to rip my hair out trying to figure out why it isn't working out like it should!

At first I was going to separate these patterns into beginner/ intermediate/ advanced, but I think most of these tops could be made by a beginner seamstress/sewer.  The big box patterns do usually have more abbreviated instructions, so just be aware that you may need to take your time and get more help if you are indeed a true beginner.


Also, if you haven't discovered Pattern Review, then head on over!  I always go there first before sewing up a Simplicity, McCall, Butterick, etc. pattern.  There are usually lots of helpful tips on how to adjust your pattern before you even begin!

There is the ever popular Simplicity 3835.  This is a Built by Wendy pattern that has been around for awhile and is super popular.  There is a reason!  This top is forgiving and simple.  I think it has recently gone out of print, but I know you can still order it from the Simplicity website or find someone who is willing to swap with you!

The Amelia Shirt by Froglegs and Ponytails is another super simple top.  It is very similar to a pillowcase dress, but pick a fun floral print and you have the perfect summer top!  A beginner sewer wrote a review of it for Sew Mama Sew and has confirmed that it is a good choice for a beginner.

Colette Patterns has come out with two new beginner sewing patterns including the Violet Blouse.  She promises lots of helpful hints for beginners.  It looks like a great basic button down top and perfect for

those looking for something vintage-y.

The Schoolhouse Tunic by Sew Liberated is a fun simple tunic.  I have made this tunic myself and can confirm that this is an excellent pattern.  Check out this tutorial by Happy Find to add some ruffles if you want to add some pop to your tunic! Also, Ana at Don't Fear the Ripper has a very detailed sew-a-long for this tunic for someone who would like more help!

Liesel (the creator of the awesome Oliver + S patterns) has come out with a new line of patterns for women for Simplicity, and her Portfolio Dress/ Tunic pattern is definitely on the top of my to do list.  These new patterns seem to be getting great reviews.  Check out the Flickr group for more inspiration!  Gwen of Gwenny Penny is currently hosting a sew-a-long for the Portfolio Dress.  Perfect timing!

Ruffles are in!  If you want to join in on the craze, Simplicity 2599 might be the pattern for you!  This pattern is one of Pattern Review's Best Patterns of 2010, and you can find tons of happy reviews.

The Shearwater Kaftan by Make It Perfect is a simple, long sleeved top.  It is a simple,easy construction.  Perfect to wear to the beach!  You can check out my review of this top here, and check out this cute one!

Have you tried a Sis Boom pattern yet?  Carla's instructions are the best out there!  She walks you step by step, and I have always had great success with her patterns.  I love the look of the Dana Top, especially the sleeveless version!  Plus, these are PDF patterns, so just buy, print, and start sewing!

Don't want to spend money on a pattern?  Check out some of these fun top tutorials!

Shirred Pillowcase Top
Tie Top Tank
Ruffle Shirt
Women's Corsage Shirt
Wrap Yourself Top
Undaunted Top
And don't forget Rae's Spring Ruffle Top!!

Please let me know if you have any questions!  If you have a pattern that you just love, have written a pattern review, or written a top tutorial- please feel free to leave a comment so we can check it out!  Happy sewing!!

Catching Up...

Life is starting to get a sense of normalcy again, so we are slowly working our way back into a routine. When I was ordered to rest I actually got quite a bit of sewing done. Sewing is rest, right?! April and May are months of birthdays. I have had leftover scraps from this quilt that I didn't know what do with. I made the quilt for my sister-in-law and her husband when they got married last June. So after seeing this block and this pillow I knew what I wanted to do for her birthday. I made these two pillows to match the quilt. I love the zig zag one especially.

I took all these pictures the night before I was induced, so please excuse the lack of great pictures. I was a little distracted. ;0) Hexagons have been popping up everywhere lately. While I love the look of them, I am not the biggest fan of hand sewing and knew I wouldn't get too far. Ashley's idea of appliqueing them on was genius. Just remember to take the paper out before sewing! I took the paper out and then pressed them before sewing them on so they would retain their shape.

I also made a couple of Summerhouse Pillows from some scraps of Hunky Dory and Kona cotton in white and ash. I love this pattern and how simple it is. I have already used it a couple of times.

In other news...

I have reopened the shop! I have gotten some new patterns lately! So check it out!

Spring Top Week has started! Go check out Rae's blog and submit your votes! There were so many great tops. So glad I am not competing this year because the competition is tough!


Also Elsie Marley is hosting kids clothes week next week! The idea is to sew a little each day for your kids and see what you can get accomplished. I am hoping to get my act together and sew up a couple of Ice Cream dresses for the girls. I have some Nicey Jane fabric just waiting...

Make It and Love It has this super sweet t-shirt dress tutorial!

Have you seen Brown Paper Package's blog this month? She has posted so many different tutorials on how to make different dresses from just one pattern. Isn't that a great idea? This one is my personal favorite.

Last but not least...a picture of Josiah. I love the face he is making, and I love kissing those chubby cheeks. Thank you for coming out baby!

Potty Training

That is what we are attempting today. However, it is four p.m. and no success getting it on the potty yet. My girls seems to have an uncanny ability to hold it and let go the moment your back is turned.

So, I have had some blog and link reading time available as we wait by the potty for something to happen.

• Spring Top Week is coming up! I entered last year and was lucky enough to be a finalist with this shirt.
• I decided not to enter this year. Hmmm...something about being 8 months pregnant leaves me with little inspiration to make a shirt at this point. However, if you are pregnant too and want to enter, this tutorial for a maternity shirt is really cute!
• Or I used this tutorial to fix a tent like maternity t-shirt, and it is definitely much more wearable now. Just remember to really stretch the elastic as you sew it on. Quick fix that took five minutes! My kind of sewing.
• Here is a tutorial for a car seat canopy. I am working on a patchwork one.
• My little kitty pillow that I made for the girls' room was featured on One Pretty Thing today!
  
• This little girl skirt tutorial and mama skirt tutorial look really cute and easy!

Find any cute tutorials lately that you are making or on your to do list? Please do share!

We have...

a job in California and we are officially in escrow for a cute little house! Life is busy and is only going to get busier. I expect sewing and blogging are going to be taking a backseat over the next month. We are excited for the upcoming changes and a little nervous too! We feel very blessed.

I will be closing up my etsy shop for the next month starting next Tuesday, August 11th. So if you have been eying a pattern and can't wait until September I suggest you order in the next week! I know I want to rearrange the shop as well, and I think taking this month off will let me reassess and pray about what direction the shop should take.

Since there isn't any crafting in this post, have a little look at some of these fun tutorials that I have bookmarked in my favorites!

Knitting Needle Roll by Lupin Bunny
How to make a digital quilt mockup by Sarah Seitz
Little Patchwork Dress by Crazy Mom Quilts (Really love this!)
Birthday Banner by See Mommy Sew
How to sew a double sided purse strap by Fat Orange Cat
Superhero Cape Tutorial by Puking Pastilles
( I made one of these for a little boy and it was the hit of the party!)

Children's Clothes

It has been so warm and sunshiney. I love it. I am thinking of Juliana's spring wardrobe.

I got her this skirt pattern- The Edith Twirl Skirt by Fabritopia. She is a skirt fanatic. She refuses to wear pants. She likes dresses too, but skirts are her love. Anyway, this one looks so nice and full and well...twirly.

Have you seen that The Handmade Dress is coming out with a new pattern? She is taking preorders. The Lily Dress- I love the bubble look. I already went to Joann's and picked up some fabric to make these for the girls for Easter.

There are lots of cute free patterns for kids out there too. Here are some of my favorites:

The Kimono Wrap- This little shirt is so sweet and would make a great gift for a kid of any age!
Sundress Pattern- By the same person. This sundress looks oh so sweet and french seams- my new favorite!
Twirl Skirt- Twirl away!
Peasant Blouse- Looks easy and so cute! She has lots of other tutorials to check out too!
The Smocket (In the side bar)- This I have made, and it turned out super cute. Would also make a great summer shirt.

Don't forget to enter The Long Thread's giveaway! I am giving away a Melly and Me pattern. There are SIX other animals being given away as well! You have a good shot at winning one of them!

Some more (fat quarter) tutorial goodness....

It was Fat Quarter last month over at Sew Mama Sew. So sad that it is done. They had so many great ideas going. Here are some other tutorials I have found using fat quarters.


Buttercup Bag- Cute, cute, cute! Would make a great purse for a young girl.

Crooked Coasters- I really like the look of these.

Scrappy Summer Belts- These look easy and fun!

Soft Baby Shoes - I have made these and they are adorable and easy!

Wallet - I really like the look of this one. The best one I have seen lately. Will be trying this one soon.

Have fun! Happy sewing!

Bag Tutorials on the "To Do" List

Reversible Patchwork Bag by Pink Penguin- Great way to use up scraps!

Mini Messenger Bag by Heart of Mary- I love that she makes this using only fat quarters!

Margaret Sling Bag by Oh Fransson!- I love the pleat!

Monk's Bag by The Purl Bee - Another sling bag. What can I say I am a sucker.

Reversible Purse on Martha Stewart- These little bags are so cute.